12 Simple Ways to Help the Environment From Home
After the COVID-19 outbreak, we were forced to adapt to a new way of life. However, the climate crisis should still be the priority even during this pandemic. We can’t forget that the planet is still suffering. The good news is that you can help the environment even from your home.
In our everyday lives, we make unconscious decisions that affect the planet. Breaking out of these bad habits is really important if we want to see any improvement with the climate crisis. They might seem insignificant, but they add up when billions of people do the same thing.
You don’t have to be an entrepreneur or work in a non-profit to do something good for planet earth. You can do things at home which can make the world a better place. Here are just 12 things that you could do in the comfort of your home:
1. Stop showering every day
Showering every day is a huge waste of water and doesn’t bring any benefits. It can even be harmful as it strips the skin of its natural oils making it dry and irritated according to the Harvard Medical School. I even know of some people who shower twice a day. Unless you are an athlete that is working out all day, showering every day is not necessary.
In addition to taking fewer showers, why not try out cold showers? They are good for the planet and your health. It might be hard at first but it’s something to get used to. Speaking from my experience, taking cold showers every so often is very refreshing.
2. Switch off and unplug appliances
Do this to reduce the amount of electricity you use, especially at night. You should be unplugging your television, computer, and other appliances. It’s better to charge your phone before you go to sleep, so you are not using excess, unnecessary energy all night. This is important now as a lot of us are still stuck at home all day.
Generally, you should try to use electronic appliances less, to reduce your energy consumption. This includes the TV, your phone, and your laptop.
3. Use soap bars
Staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial. We can do this by washing our hands frequently. But this has increased plastic waste. Buying refillable containers or soap bars is a lot better. It’s one of the many ways you can reduce your waste at home. (Don’t forget to switch the tap off while washing your hands.)
4. Reduce online shopping
Many people are now buying more items online as it is easier than walking to a shop and it’s often cheaper. Nonetheless, this is packaging waste that could be avoided. So if it’s not an essential item, don’t press ‘buy now’. This is also a great way to from home while helping the environment.
5. Don’t wash clothes every day
In general, you should try avoiding washing clothes frequently as it uses up a lot of water and energy. Wait until you have a full load and then put the washing machine on. This way it’s more efficient.
And leave them to hang naturally
Don’t use a tumble dryer. Instead, hang them either in your house or outside. It’s just electricity wasted for no reason. It’s a simple habit that’s essential in cutting down our household energy consumption.
6. Only buy what you need
Many people have been panic buying. In our society, it has become normal to overuse. Buying only the things you need will reduce food waste and plastic waste. It’s good to plan out your meals so you know exactly what you need to buy. The same rule applies to clothes shopping, electronics and so much more. Buy less, do more.
7. Natural light
Take advantage of the sun. Don’t keep the light in your room switched on all day. Also remember, sunlight is free, unlike electricity.
I think I have to say this is probably the easiest thing you can do to help the environment from home. So open your curtains and let the sun flow into your room. Save electricity at every opportunity.
8. Cook
Learn how to cook instead of always buying takeaways or ready-made meals from the supermarket. Buy your own fresh ingredients ( preferably ones that are not wrapped in plastic) and make your own meals. Firstly, it’s better for your health as you know exactly what is going into them and where everything comes from. Secondly, it’s better for the planet as you are producing less waste. The problem with buying your meals ready is that the packaging can not be recycled so it ends up in landfills. This can be avoided if you just take some time out of your day and make a sustainable lunch.
You might also like: 18 Eco-Friendly Grocery Shopping Tips
9. Support Eco Companies
When you are buying items online, instead of supporting multi-national corporations like Amazon or Primark for example, shop from small companies that are looking out for the environment. If you want new clothes, choose sustainable, slow fashion stores such as There are many online stores where you can get pretty much anything. You don’t have to buy something at the expense of the planet.
10. Recycle
Another easy way to help the environment at home is to recycle. Always check the label to see if it can be recycled. This is such a simple thing to do, yet so important.
One this to point out, is that recycling should not give you a reason to buy whatever you like. If you don’t need something, don’t get it. Recycling should be used as a last resort.
11. Spread awareness online
These days everyone seems to be on their phones or computers. We can’t forget about the planet because the climate crisis is still the biggest threat that we are facing. It’s important to spread hope while social distancing. Protecting the environment should still be a priority even during this COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s important to take action yourself, but it’s equally important to tell others the importance of doing these very things.
12. Become a creator
Use your talent, whether that is writing, illustration, or graphic design to spread awareness online. You could start a business or just create a blog or website to express what you want to say. Be creative and convince people to act. Use your skills to do something good for the world.
Design and creativity will play a big part in the crisis. Become a climate designer or climate creative. How cool would it be if you could help the environment by doing the very thing you love?
Conclusion
In the past few months, air pollution has decreased due to reduced traffic, flights, and manufacturing in factories. It is clear that we can make a difference if we fight the climate crisis globally. Everyone that thought stopping climate change is impossible has been proven wrong. We just need everyone to act
It’s possible to help the environment from home so don’t say that you can’t do anything for the planet. Everyone can reduce their negative impact with these 12 easy tips.
You might think that doing these things won’t make any real difference but they will make some difference. Switching off the light will not change the world but it’s still saving resources. Hopefully, as you start doing these and educating others, more people will follow suit.
Everyone needs to be on board. The world will not become sustainable if half the people refuse to do their part in this crisis. It’s necessary to reduce global demand in order to reduce consumption.
Originally published at https://www.terramovement.com on October 5, 2020.
